Hotel Bella Costa: Not bad resort

Resort was not bad at all. Old, needs renovation. Distance to town from hotel is good. Mini bar was never fully refilled. Lots of nice staffs. Family suites is a very good size and distance to beach and pool. Air Transact guests have our own/private part of the beach. Freshly made to order pizza was really good.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Beautiful resort

Very friendly staff, bent over backwards to fulfil every request. Snack bar, buffett, al la cart restaurants, all great. The wine served is awesome. The waiters and waitresses were so friendly. Great to be able to cash money daily at the hotel

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Great Resourt

the resourt was very nice, with nice beaches and pools, you have to pick and choose what food you like but for the most part it was good. i liked how the rooms are all seperate little villas. and they are generous with pooring drinks. i would go back.

Paradisus Varadero: Disappointing

The main pool was out of service due to scheduled renovations. This divided the resort and took away from the feel - when you look at pictures of this resort before booking all you see if the main pool and how beautiful it is. They gave us 'on resort coupons' for the inconvenience of the pool being out of service but they were pointless and weren't applicable to us (my girlfriend and I). The disco was never open and there weren't too many people on the resort, making it feel dead and boring. Ou [... read more]r room had cockroaches that were alarmingly big which were about 2 and a half inches big. We got upgraded to another room which also had roaches, each of which being the same size along with geckos. We saw bugs in our room every day. People say bugs are common in resorts but this is the first time I ever saw them in our room. Entertainment was nice, food was as expected for a Cuban resort. The a la carte restaurants were hit and miss. One restaurant had such slow service and unappetizing food, even the service was some what rude to us. Surprisingly the best food we had was at the snack bar, they make a good burger. Service on the resort was very good. Waiter/Waitresses, cooks, and bar tenders were always coming around to ask us for drinks or anything else that we needed at the time. They were helpful with our questions. The beach made up for the disappointment of the pool. As expected the beach was very beautiful and clean, we had lots of fun hanging out their all day. This was rated as a 5 star resort, it didn't feel like that at all.

Resonance Blu Varadero: The best place ever for a family vacation

The hotel was neat and the most friendly staff in the world . The check inn was a bit long understandably due to the group checkinn. The two pools were awesome and ton loads of activities for kids daily in the noon and in the evening also. Do not miss the fresh coconut given for a tip by the employees. The food was lot better then I expected.

Sirenis Tropical Varadero: OK

Example: What did you think about  this hotel? (grounds, public areas, rooms, dining, features, etc.) Hotel was getting worn down. Grounds were attractive but the beaches were outstandingly beautiful. Rooms on a scale of 1-10 was at best a 4. Dining was nice, but became old hat after 3 days. Entertainment was alright. Housekeeping, Dining room staff could not do enough for you.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Great honeymoon

The resort was very nice, we had an ocean view room, very nice people, great service! The beach was excellent but very windy, the only problem we had was that there were not enough chairs to sit unless you got one early enough.

Valentin El Patriarca Varadero: Had a GREAT TIME!

This resort was very clean and the rooms were very nicely decorated. The beds weren't the most comfortable for me, but my husband had no problem with them. The food at the breakfast buffet was the good, lunch and dinner buffet not the greatest. (but then you don't go to Cuba for the food). The Italian restaurant was the best out of the three al la carte. The best coffee, was Mike's Coffee shop. The cappuccinos and frozen coffees were excellent. The ladies that run the shop were always very pleas [... read more]ant and welcoming. The beach and the pool simply amazing. The staff were all very nice and helpful. Good night life at the lobby bar and the shows were always nice to watch. With all said and done, I would go back to this resort, great time and great resort.

Barcelo Solymar: ok resort - you get what you pay for

the hotel room was absolutely garbage - but my friends room was decent you get what you pay for - want to go cheap cuba is the way to go beach and water is amazing, cuba's towns not so great if you are smart - do not go here money exchange rate is terrible 1 CDN = 85 cents forgot to mention food = it is edible - it has been 1 week back and i am still not going to the washroom properly. lol

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: One of the best vacations ever, know how to vacay!

We were a mixed group of couples/singles, late 20's/early 30's staying here for a week. We had an amazing time. It wasnt our first time in Cuba. There were a few hiccups, but I travel quite a bit for pleasure and work and its rare for a trip to go without any hiccups regardless of how many stars rating. The question is whether those hiccups ruin your experience or are they things you can take in stride? We know how to vacation, and when a bump comes along, relax and go with the flow: Check In:  [... read more]We sat at the front of our tour bus so we were first in line in check in. It was quick and painless. Keep in mind rooms tend to be ready around 4 pm so if you arrive before then be prepared to keep yourself occupied until then. They might be ready before then but expect 4 pm to manage your expectations. All of us but one were happy with our rooms but the hotel was quick to change the room for our friend who wasnt happy. Rooms: if you are the type of person that needs a luxurious room to be happy on your vacation then maybe Cuba isnt the place for you. All the same the rooms are large and clean. Our air conditioning worked fine. The view is lovely. The furniture is a bit dated, but this country has an embargo on them so if you expect the 2014 bed bath and beyond line then dont vacation in Cuba. We were happy as long as it was clean and cool. The mini fridge was filled as promised, every two days. The bathroom is really nice. I have stayed in 5 stars where the bathrooms werent nearly as nice so that was a pleasant surprise. The hotel is large so they have a few logistics problems when it comes to managing their resources for that many people. One of those issues is if you take your shower at peak times (morning or before dinner), pressure is low, water is luke warm (which is fine its so hot here that the shower is the perfect temperature and also I like to describe it as "sunburn temperature"). Twice the water ran out completely. No big deal, we had a laugh about it and just showered at another time. I mention this to manage the expectations of people reading the review but I must emphasize this did not effect our vacation at all. We found it funny and continued to enjoy ourselves. Its not like you have a big meeting to shower for or something, youre going to the beach! Grounds: Very nice, well kept, clean, beautiful. Theres a bit of construction going on here or there but its not intrusive at all. And I kind of find it funny how some people whine about the place needing some maintenance and then whining further when they see maintenance going on! Pool: Large, 3 of them, all lovely. Plenty of places to sit. Clean. We were more beach goers. But we appreciated that the hotel is flexible on their pool hours and we often took to the pool after dinner and after dark. A few others had the same idea. This was great fun having the whole pool to ourselves and it was so pretty in the dark. Beach: Water is nothing like youve ever seen. We will miss that beach forever until we go back again! The only problem with this resort that I will genuinely complain about is that they need to fix their umbrella situation. People show up at 6-7 am and leave a towel and dont come back for hours assuming they have "reserved" it. Its really unfair and I am not sure what gives them that sense of entitlement. Anyways, I dont recommend leaving your towel as each towel costs 15 cuc if you lose it and we saw several incidents of people coming back after hours of being away and their towels were gone. There is no official reserving system so if you leave your towel its at your own risk and we personally saw several people having to pay the price. Furthermore, it does not guarantee that you get that chair. If someone else wants it and you clearly arent there they can take it as there is NO reservation system. You will have no one on your side telling you you can have the chair if you placed your towel on it. Most days we were able to find an umbrella and one day we just went to another beach as the other resorts have plenty of umbrellas. Anyways this is our only complaint. Otherwise we spent days on that beach and had a wonderful time. Food: Being to cuba before, we understand that due to the embargo, that the food is different there. I had read so many reviews saying the food was bad, that the cafeteria was a zoo and unpleasant. When we went to dinner for the first time, we picked up a plate from the large stack of CLEAN dishes, we got some food from the countless options (pasta station, fish station, meat station, breads, then the buffet stations with lots of protein and veggie options, and a dessert station with cheese and fruits and pastries and ice creams!), and found a table outside, which was actually very quiet (I guess people prefer to sit inside?). I almost LAUGHED when I tasted the food because it was good! Not just "good for cuba" but good!! I have had cuban all inclusive food before, this is much better than what ive had before. There are so many options if there is something you dont like you can find something i guarantee it. We generally hit the dinner buffet, sometimes lunch and for breakfast we went to the snack bar - which is actually a mini buffet. I cant imagine getting up in time for breakfast buffet on my vacation but the snack bar serves breakfast well past 10 am so we just took our time getting up and enjoyed the food at the quieter snack buffet. Some reviewers make it sound like the place is bug and bird infested. Thats ridiculous. I saw maybe a total of 10 flies in the week. You see some birds but theres always someone around shooing them off, big deal. Additionally there are no problems with the amount of dishes or the cleanliness of the dishes. We booked all 3 a la carte (cuban, mexican, japanese) and were happy with each. The Japanese was our favourite. Entertainment: The shows were really good, the performers are so so talented. We also hit up the disco a few times and had a good time, it was always quite full. We would have preferred if it had stayed open until 3 am instead of 2 am, but thats just our personal preference =) They have performers in the lobby often as well and near the pool (a very talented sax player). Very nice. Staff: Hard working, friendly people. Tip them. Not because they ask for it, because they dont ask, but because they serve our spoiled butts and they do it with the nicest demeanors and i cant imagine serving some of the spoiled brats I saw at this resort and doing it with a smile to boot. This place is great. We would maybe consider another place next time only because the amount of people there got annoying. We had a great time but some people there do not know how to vacation and listening to the endless whining made my eyes roll so many times im surprised they arent stuck in the back of my head. Thanks for the great week!

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: Very good, good value, 90% satisfied.

Excellent beach and entertainment, good food and service, very good amenities…recommended................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Royalton Hicacos Resort and Spa: Wonderful!

We had a wonderful experience at the Royal Hicacos Resort and Spa - not one complaint. The resort was a smaller one which we like and the grounds were well kept. We encountered one problem with our room's washroom which was immediately attended to. There was always a good variety of food in the buffets and the food was always tasteful, both in the buffets and a la cartes. Access to premium brand liquor was available. Service was always tops. We would definitely return.

Melia Las Antillas: Beautiful...simply beautiful

The Cuban people are wonderful...we stayed 7 days and enjoyed every minute...we came for sun, beach, clear water. rest & relaxation....we got all of our wishes. The food was okay...bland but okay....would come here again

Resonance Blu Varadero: my stay review

well, everything was excellent only one bad experience my wife lost our camera we reported but she said it was Sony but it was Panasonic.LUMIX DMC 2520. well yes I already recommended to my cousin Gilberto and he wants to go Aug. 21 to 28 if you can help with that would be appreciate.

Club Kawama: Great time!

This was a great resort...the food..the resort..the drinks..the staff..the entertainment..everything was great!!! The room was clean and served it's purpose..a place to sleep and shower....if you spent any more time than that in your room you are doing Cuba wrong!!! The staff were all super friendly and helpful..especially our waiter Leo..the best!!!! Cannot wait to return next year!!!

Sirenis Tropical Varadero: Amazing beach of course

The rooms were standard and very clean.The food at the beach area was very good Roast pig for 3 different times Burgers and the fish were great andbartenders couldn't do enough for us.Entertainment was ok but the swim up pool bar as advertised was not open The pool was but it was all for the little ones so no bartenders there but we just choose to stay at the beach side bar wjich was exceptable.I might go back but we like to try different resorts But I would recommend this hotel

Melia Varadero: A little disapointed !

The staff was friendly but the day and night entertaining was boring..... The mini entertaining at 10pm was pretty much always empty. Food was always the same all week long Needed to change room because of bugs but our second room was very nice and clean. The front desk was extremely very helpful at all times.

Paradisus Princesa Del Mar: Beyond Expectations!

Very pretty and well maintained resort. Food was very good and lot's of choices. Beaches were specatacular. Service was great as were the bartenders and maids. Only complaint was the bathroom off the main foyer entrance often had no paper and should be cleaned more often as it's a very busy thoroughfare. The entertainment was amazing!

Iberostar Origin Laguna Azul: very good

my family and I stayed one week at Laguna Azul and had a great time!! For sure would go back:) The resort had everything you can possibly think of grounds were exceptional,activities to keep you busy all week,bars and restaurants all over the resort and the animators were so much fun and pleasant all the time!! For the food lots of variety and delicious!! Rooms were very clean and simple but for the beds uncomfortable,and they need to introduce comforters!! Pillows too:( july 20th to july 28th  [... read more]2014

Melia Peninsula Varadero: Great for families with young children & couples

Some resorts have more of a 'modern hotel/high rise' feel, but we wanted a more traditional, colonial plantation style with 2-3 story bungalow, which is exactly what this resort offered us. Staff: Friendly, courteous, professional and always smiling and helpful. Every time we ordered food or drinks, we were offered a seat and they would bring it to us at our table. Grounds: Groomed daily and lovingly tended to as well as the beach. Huge majestic palms with lush gardens and green everywhere. The  [... read more]only downfall was the lagoon area around the main lobby/buffet area...the hydraulic system is not working, but they work hard trying to keep it clean. So close your eyes at it during the day, but enjoy it at night when the lights reflect and mirror the sky off it. Our Room: Large, bright and cheery with wicker furniture. Very clean, air conditioning worked great as well as good water pressure in shower. Our kids were in the room next door. Each had walk in closet. It's my understanding that this resort boasts the largest in Varadero. We had beer, pop and water stocked daily. Each room has a balcony. There are no ocean views at this resort as there is a little buffer area of trees between the beach and the bungalows. Maids were pleasant and did do towel art for us and wrote us little notes sometimes. Beach: Beautiful! with white sand and blue water. However, it was the most narrow of the beaches on the strip probably...when I say narrow, it's still wide enough to accommodate 3 rows of palapas (tons of 'em) and beach volleyball nets. Some reviewers mention the drop/step down to the water from the beach, this is really not an issue, but it's true that it exists. Kind of like a mini cliff which is the size of a step. Atmosphere: This is a family/couple resort in a nice quiet upscale tranquil surrounding. There isn't constant Latin music playing around the pool. They only do that around 3pm when the animation crew starts. Otherwise, it's a very relaxed place, not a party place for teens that's for sure. There is a disco in the main part of the hotel, but it wasn't particularly lively for the most part...I guess that all depends on the guests. Adult Pool: Huge natural shaped pool with swim up bar...also snack bar to the side. Not a lot of shade, but some and ample amount of loungers. This is not an 'adult exclusive' pool, so there will be kids in and about it. Children's Pool: On the opposite side of the hotel, a huge beautiful naturally shallow pool for little ones with a waterfall and 2 waterslides. There's a great pirate ship playground off to the side a snack bar and the kids club all within the same area. There's even a large wading pool for babies. Family area: On this side of the resort where the kid's pool is, there are about 5 bungalows so you can be closer. It's really an amazing area for young families with little kids! I wish I had money to take mine away when they were young. I would HIGHLY recommend this for families with younger kids, as this truly caters to them. Buffet Restaurant: Tons of food options! Yes, it's repetitive but so many choices, you don't have to eat the same thing all the time. We brought our own seasonings but ended up not using them because we did find the food flavorful ... Breakfast: Best croissants this side of France...crispy on outside and doughy on the inside with a chocolate sauce to poor over top if you like. Bread and toasting station, fresh fruits, marinated salads and cold cuts/charcuterie & cheese, omelette station (if you like your bacon more cooked than they do it, just bring it to the guy at the omelette station and he'll gladly cook it longer for you). Also, juices and yogurts (liquid kind). I even saw soy milk! Mini crepes, sometimes waffles, lots of sausage and meat type stews with beans. Any kind of egg you want..poached, soft or hard boiled, scrambled etc. Coffee is not great here, but get a wonderful cappuccino in the lobby bar before coming in! Lunch & dinner: Lots of meat and seafood options, marinated vegetables, fresh veggies, cold cuts & cheese, hamburgers, steaks, stews, rice dishes, pasta bars, chicken croquettes to name a few. Also ice cream bar for desserts. Cookies, squares, rice pudding and cakes. The a la carte restaurants impressed us so much! I don't normally love them, but they know what they're doing here. Granted it isn't fine dining, but the service and attentiveness give you that impression. Your water or wine will always be filled. We were spoiled and got to try all 4 of them. The Japanese Sakura that everyone raves about is really good. It's more about the show than the food though...cute and interactive with photo ops. Great stir fried rice, veggies, beef, chicken, shrimp and calamari. The French Bistro is the prettiest and food was lovely, although not authentic French food obviously. It has white tufted benches and a crystal chandelier in the middle of room. French onion soup is more an onion broth than the traditional gratinée Lyonnaise, but still tasty. The Cuban Tocororo impressed us so much and was surprisingly our favorite. With a huge cloth-like chandelier dominating the center of the ceiling and painted frescos on the wall, it's elegant. The dishes were nothing like what was served at the buffet. I had a wonderful black bean soup and the tastiest shredded beef dish! Yummy! The Italian Gondola was good, but probably least favorite of mine. It too was pretty with frescos but I found the food was a little plain. Service amazing though. The Laguna lunch buffet offered an amazing paella daily with some great grilled options as a guy cooked it all right there...pineapples, tomatoes, steaks, burgers etc. Inside is another build your own pasta and some of the same dishes offered at the main buffet. Again, tons of food options, you can't go hungry. The pool snack bar always offers juicy hamburgers, hot dogs were 'ok', and sometimes fries and other times homemade chips. There are pizzas available at various times tool. Staff here is lovely. Drinks: I NEVER found our drinks watered down. On the contrary, they use a lot of rum! Delicious pina coladas, bahama mamas. Mojitos were better at the lobby bar. Lobby bar also makes a wonderful iced coffee! When night falls at the resort, it takes on an elegant, upscale atmosphere with it's piano playing in the lobby and pretty lights around the lagoon/deck area. They try really hard to put on great shows for everyone's enjoyment. Personally, I am so tired I have a hard time keeping awake for them. A different show every night beginning with kids entertainment nightly with a clown etc. This is a really relaxed place and if you want to go for a swim at night, nobody will stop you. We stayed in the middle of the resort in block 1600 which is about a 2 minute walk to the beach, pool or main buffet and hotel lobby area. There is one beach disco night during the week which was fun. The DJ and animation staff take the music to the beach area so you can drink and dance with sand between your toes. Some people make claims that the resort is HUGE. It is very large, but it doesn't take 10 minutes from one end to the other. I would say maybe 5 minutes. We were also never bothered by bugs or mosquitos except one night there were a few. Don't forget your sunscreen, we ran out and were stuck paying an obscene $18CAD for some! My husband and I were delighted with this property but I think our teens were a little disappointed that it wasn't a little more lively. My youngest was thrilled to play volleyball on the beach every day. Don't forget, YOU make the choice to have a good holiday or not, it isn't the responsibility of the hotel or staff. You cannot go on vacation and expect the same customs and quality as we have in Canada. Where else in the world can you go for $800 that includes your flight, accommodations, drinks and food and live like a king for a week? This is a wonderful resort and I would highly recommend it. Make sure you know what you're looking for in a resort when you're booking. Make a list and do your research.